The lengthy statement is the latest development in a saga that has demonstrated the polarization of city government.

It began when councilmembers Cynthia Hedge-Morrell and Jon Johnson walked out on a meeting in early May, upset by the actions the Council took in regard to proposed reform of the two at large seats on the lawmaking body.

Two weeks later, the two members did not show for a special meeting and for a regularly scheduled session. Because the District B Council seat remains open, their absences left the body short of a quorum -- unable to vote on any city business, including the matter of an interim District B appointment.

In a letter addressed "Dear residents of District B," Head notes that she nominated Errol George to serve as an interim representative in her former seat on the Council because of his "intellect, work ethic and integrity, as well as his background in urban planning and his prior government experience."

But nearly a month after she suggested George, no vote has been taken on the appointment and the seat remains empty. If the Council does not fill the chair by next week, Mayor Mitch Landrieu will be tasked with the responsibility.

Hedge-Morrell and Johnson have expressed frustration with what they categorize as obstructionist tactics by some of their colleagues. Head addressed that concern in her letter, which reads, in part:

If they are dissatisfied with my nomination, it is appropriate to attend Council meetings and vote as such on the matter. Instead, there has been a failure to attend Council meetings, depriving the Council of a quorum, which in turn halts City business.

Head said, in the absence of a District B representative, she and Council president Jackie Clarkson would look after the district with "special attention."